On the Third

September 30, 2025

Luke 24:1–7

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb… but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus… the angels said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!’”

1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 20–22 

 “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.”

Let us move today, from Jesus descent into "death's dark tomb" to His great triumph: “On the third day He rose again.”

If the Apostles' Creed had concluded with “He was buried,” our faith would merely be a remembrance, not a vibrant hope. But it goes further: “On the third day He rose again.”

At the heart of the Christian faith lies the ultimate display of God’s power and love: the resurrection. It’s not merely a resuscitation, as some like to claim. I believe its more that Jesus simply “coming back to life,” though that is what happened. The resurrection is the dawn of a new creation. From the depths of hell and death, Jesus rose with a transformed, glorified body, never to face death again. His resurrection is a promise of our future, a guarantee that death is not the last word for us.

The Apostle Paul calls Jesus the “firstfruits.” Think back to the Old Testament, the firstfruits were the first portion of the harvest, a sign and guarantee that more was coming. Jesus’ resurrection is God’s assurance that all who belong to Christ will share in His victory. 

The resurrection is God’s great vindication of Jesus. The world condemned Him, Pilate washed his hands, and the cross seemed like failure. But on the third day, God declared Jesus to be Son, Lord, and Savior. The empty tomb is God’s “Yes” to Jesus, and God’s “Yes” to us.

When we Confess “On the third day He rose again” this declaration shapes how we live:

Hope in grief. Death is real, but it is not final. For those who die in Christ, resurrection awaits. Our goodbyes are temporary.

Courage in struggle. If Jesus conquered death, the greatest enemy, then nothing we face is beyond His power.

New life now. The resurrection isn’t just a future hope; it’s a present power. We live in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4), making every day an opportunity to stand on resurrection ground and embrace Christ’s victory. 

Let's Pray

Risen Lord,  

We praise You for the empty tomb and the power of resurrection life. Death could not hold You, and because You live, we too shall live. Thank You that our faith is grounded not in wishful thinking but in the firm foundation of Your triumph.  

When despair threatens, remind us of Your victory. When grief feels overwhelming, comfort us with the hope of resurrection. When we grow weary, breathe into us the strength of new creation life.  

Keep us anchored in Easter's "Resurrection" joy until the day we see You face to face.  

Amen.